Vapour extraction device with filter element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extractor hood filter elements suffer from contaminants settling at the transition between expanded metal and support frames, affecting performance and appearance, with visible transitions impairing aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A filter element with a cover layer made of filter material that forms the inflow side, covering the edges of multiple filter layers, preventing contaminant settlement and improving visibility, while also simplifying handling and production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter elements use a support frame with expanded metal layers, then structural stability is provided, but contaminants accumulate at the interface between expanded metal and support frame
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the support frame from the filter element design. Instead of having expanded metal layers mounted on a support frame, the filter layers are directly attached to each other, eliminating the interface where contaminants previously accumulated. This extraction of the support frame resolves the contaminant accumulation problem while maintaining filter effectiveness through the layered structure alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the support function directly into the filter layers themselves. Rather than having separate support frame and filter layer components, the filter layers are designed to provide both filtration and structural support through their interlayer attachment. This integration eliminates the harmful interface between support frame and filter material.
2Strength
If filter elements have visible transitions between filter layers and support frame, then structural support is achieved, but visual appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the support frame entirely and having filter layers directly attached to each other, the invention eliminates the visible transitions between filter layers and support frame. The filter element presents a uniform, clean appearance from the upstream side, resolving the aesthetic issue while maintaining structural integrity through the layered construction.
3Ease of manufacture
If filter layers are arranged in a stack without cover layer, then manufacturing is simpler, but edges are accessible creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a cover layer made of filter material that folds over the edges of the filter layer stack. This thin film structure covers the potentially hazardous edges while maintaining the simplicity of the overall manufacturing process. The cover layer integrates seamlessly with the filter material and can be attached using standard filtration industry methods.
4Stability of the object's composition
If upstream side has transitions between components, then structural assembly is achieved, but cleaning is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the support frame and having filter layers directly attached to each other, the invention creates a smooth, continuous upstream surface without interfaces or transitions. This streamlined structure eliminates areas where contaminants could accumulate and makes the filter element much easier to clean, while the interlayer attachment maintains structural stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents contaminant dripping, simplifies cleaning, enhances visual appeal, and increases safety by eliminating edge accessibility risks, while maintaining stability through reinforcement options like embossing or separate reinforcing elements.
Implementation Method 1
A filter element with a cover layer made of filter material that forms the inflow side, covering the edges of multiple filter layers, preventing contaminant settlement
Implementation Method 2
The filter layer is a layer of filter material on which at least some of the contaminants, especially grease, can be filtered out of the contaminated air flowing onto the filter element
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a filter element for a cooker hood with at least two filter layers (10). The filter element is characterized in that the filter element (1) has a cover layer (11) made of filter material, which forms the upstream side of the filter element (1) and covers the edges of the filter layers (10). The invention also relates to a cooker hood with at least one such filter element.